Control Engineer

NextPlay Jobs; Dalton (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and PTO

Annual merit increases

Wellness programs

Job summary

NextPlay Jobs' client, a well-established manufacturing company in Dalton, GA, is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to join its engineering team. The role focuses on supporting, programming, troubleshooting, and improving automated manufacturing equipment and control systems on the plant floor.

You will design and troubleshoot PLC-based controls, HMIs, robotics, and VFDs while collaborating with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to drive safety, reliability, and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in controls/automation in manufacturing.
• Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting required.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, HMIs, robotics, and drives.
• Provide hands-on technical support for automated production equipment to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Diagnose electrical, controls, and automation issues and implement corrective actions.
• Perform root cause analysis on equipment failures and implement improvements.
• Support installation, commissioning, validation, and startup of new machinery and automated equipment.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, programs, and controls documentation.
• Train maintenance and production staff on controls troubleshooting and operation.
• Ensure safety compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial networking

HMIs

FANUC robotics

Allen-Bradley

VFDs

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Equipment commissioning

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AB PLC platforms

Industrial networks

HMI software

Job description

No Sponsorship Available

About the Opportunity

Our client, an established manufacturing organization, is seeking a Controls Engineer to join its engineering team in Dalton, Georgia.

This is a hands‑on, plant‑based engineering position responsible for supporting, programming, troubleshooting, and improving automated manufacturing equipment and control systems.

The Controls Engineer will work closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to ensure equipment operates safely, efficiently, and reliably while supporting new equipment installations and continuous improvement initiatives.

This opportunity is especially well suited for an engineer who enjoys being close to the manufacturing floor, solving equipment and automation challenges, and taking ownership of controls‑related projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC‑based control systems, HMIs, robotics, frequency drives, and industrial network communications
• Provide hands‑on technical support for automated production equipment to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability
• Diagnose complex electrical, controls, and automation issues and implement effective corrective actions
• Perform root cause analysis on equipment and control‑system failures
• Partner with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to implement equipment upgrades and process improvements
• Support the installation, commissioning, validation, and startup of new machinery and automated equipment
• Develop, update, and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, programs, and controls documentation
• Support preventive maintenance initiatives for automated equipment and control systems
• Train maintenance and production employees on equipment operation and controls troubleshooting
• Participate in Kaizen and other continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and waste reduction
• Ensure control systems and equipment comply with applicable safety requirements, including OSHA and NFPA standards
• Stay current with emerging industrial automation technologies and controls best practices

Qualifications

Candidates should meet one of the following education/experience paths:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline

OR

• 5+ years of progressive experience within engineering, controls, automation, automotive manufacturing, or a closely related manufacturing environment

Technical Experience

Qualified candidates should have hands‑on experience with several of the following:

• PLC programming and troubleshooting
• Industrial network integration and communications
• HMIs
• FANUC or similar robotic systems
• Allen‑Bradley or other industrial PLC platforms
• Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Automated manufacturing equipment
• Electrical control systems
• Equipment commissioning and startup
• Electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Root cause analysis and equipment troubleshooting

Automotive or high‑volume manufacturing experience is strongly preferred but not required for candidates with strong controls and automation backgrounds.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on Controls Engineer who is comfortable moving between programming and troubleshooting at a computer and working directly with automated equipment on the production floor.

You should be able to independently diagnose controls issues while also communicating effectively with maintenance technicians, engineers, production employees, and leadership.

Successful candidates will bring:

• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting capabilities
• Experience supporting automated equipment in a manufacturing environment
• Strong analytical and root cause problem‑solving skills
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, operating instructions, and equipment documentation
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced production environment
• Willingness to learn new control platforms, equipment, and technologies
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Annual merit increase opportunities
• Established internal promotion opportunities
• Employee wellness programs and resources

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join a well‑established global manufacturing organization with a long‑standing presence in the Dalton area.

The position offers significant ownership of plant automation and controls while working alongside an experienced engineering team. The incoming Controls Engineer will also have an opportunity for direct knowledge transfer from a highly tenured team member, providing valuable exposure to the facility's equipment, systems, and manufacturing processes.

For someone who enjoys PLC programming, robotics, troubleshooting, automation, and hands‑on manufacturing engineering, this role offers the opportunity to make an immediate impact while building long‑term expertise within the organization.